PUPILS at a Burley-in-Wharfedale school will take charge today as part of a national challenge day.

Takeover Challenge is a national event led by the Children’s Commissioner for England, which puts children and young people into decision-making roles.

Organisations and businesses benefit as they gain a fresh insight into their work by listening to children’s ideas and experience.

More than 20 young people from Burley Woodhead Primary School will spend the day in a variety of roles – from site manager to headteacher. Children have written their job applications, and are excited for the opportunity to bring a new perspective to jobs around the school.

Pupils bring a wealth of expertise and experience, as one applicant said: “I have over two years’ experience in the childcare industry due to having a very challenging two-year-old brother, so I will be great for the role!”

Headteacher, Jo Siddall, said: “We are really keen to develop the children's leadership through school, so we thought taking part in the Takeover Challenge would be a great way of showing the children different aspects of our leadership roles in school.

"The children have been really enthusiastic about the day, and each member of staff has had a huge pile of applications to sort through to decide who will be shadowing them."

Anne Longfield, Children’s Commissioner for England, said: “We can all benefit from getting involved in Takeover Challenge.

"Children and young people bring fresh ideas, imagination and energy to the roles they take over, and they challenge stereotypes about them that we hear too often."

Takeover has grown year on year – more than 44,000 children and 1,200 organisations took part in 2014. Children and young people stepped into the shoes of hundreds of high profile figures, including MP’s, mayors, TV presenters, teachers, chief executives, senior police officers and other professionals in all walks of life.

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